The Role of Fisheries in Seabird Communities

OVERVIEW

Some species of seabirds, such as gulls, pelicans, and frigate birds, forage heavily on the discards from fishing vessels. Because these scavengers also feed upon other seabirds directly or by “stealing” food and eggs, increasing populations of scavenging seabirds are causing declines in non-scavenger seabird populations. Thus, the availability of discarded fish has indirectly led to detrimental effects on the health and population levels of seabirds which do not interact directly with fisheries. This project assesses the role of fisheries in influencing seabird population levels and community ecology.

Publications and Reports:

Wagner, E.L. and P.D. Boersma. 2011. Effects of Fisheries on Seabird Community Ecology. Reviews in Fisheries Science 19(3): 157-167.

Reviews in Fisheries Science paper (subscription needed)

April, 2011